Thursday, September 28, 2017

Book Review: Temporary by Sarina Bowen & Sarah Mayberry

Author: Sarina Bowen, Sarah Mayberry
Series: N/A
Audience: +18
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Rennie Road Books
Release Date: September 12th 2017
My Rating: 5 Cups
Source: Author
Blurb (from Goodreads):
The most beautiful man I've ever seen is the one who can ruin everything...

The first time I lay eyes on Callan Walker, I know he’ll be trouble. With his smug grin, hot Aussie accent and thousand dollar shoes, he’s just the kind of rich guy who always gets what he wants.

And he wants two things: a night of sin, and my cooperation as he outmaneuvers his powerful mother to take control of his uncle’s estate.

I can’t afford either one. I’m the only thing standing between my little sister and the foster care system. He may have money and charm on his side, but I have something even more powerful -- pure desperation. This temp job at his mother’s company can become a full time job for me. It has to.

But when Callan’s eyes rake over my body, sometimes I forget my obligations. His piercing gaze finds the fun, optimistic girl I used to be and not the tired person I’ve become.

And it works--if only for a moment. Our night together was a mistake. I can't afford to get sucked into his high-powered family’s treachery. But the closer I get to Callan, the more layers I find beneath those expensive clothes. Though I can’t forget this is temporary. He’s temporary. I have too much to lose.

Too bad my foolish heart didn’t get the memo...
*Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence my rating or the content of my review in any way.

I read this book a few days ago and I have to say, it's probably one of the best contemporary books I've read in a while.

This book has a lot of pain and turmoil in it. I love that at its core, it's not just about two people falling in love, but about dysfunctional families and people who should be in your corner but aren't, just based on a tiny difference, that really is nobody's business but yours.

Callan is a very hurt individual, one that is trying really hard to get away from his family, but he seems stuck between parties, fancy yachts and hot, nameless women. It takes the death of his beloved uncle to wake him up and force him to try to do something more with his life, something meaningful. I was truly sad for him, that the only thing powerful enough to wake Callan up was the death of his uncle, and it truly shows just how lost he was. Because although he got away from his mother, who's just the most evil woman I've read about in a while, it seems like he's given up on everything that was important to him. It isn't until later in the book that we find out just why that is, why he's not even trying to do something important or useful, and why he's that lost. It really made me sad to read about his family.

On the other hand you have Grace, who's the sweetest woman I've read about in a while, one that struggles with being the best big sister and guardian for her little sister, one who is willing to give up her dreams in order to keep her sister in school, happy, fed, with a roof over her head. I really liked her dedication to her job, even if it was not the right job for her. Clearly she can do more, she deserves a better job, and it's sad that in today's economy, you have a lot of young people having to accept unfit jobs just to get by. I really respected Grace, because it takes a lot of courage and strength to take care of her little sister, to be a role model, at such a young age. I was angry for her when the shit hit the fan, so to say, because she clearly did not deserve to be treated the way she was.

The cool thing about this book is that, even though not physically present, I felt that Jack, the dead uncle, was written in such a way, that he felt like a true character, not just a plot device. I really enjoyed that, and I loved how he was portrayed. I felt like he was there the whole time, and that's something I truly enjoyed. I would love to learn more about him, if a sequel is at any point in the future in the works *makes puppy eyes*

The book is pretty fast paced, and I really enjoyed reading every single page of it. The ending was a bit surprising, and it made me hope for a sequel, because I need it in my life. But even without a sequel, this book was fantastic and I would recommend it to every contemporary romance fan out there.


Monday, September 25, 2017

Cover Reveal: Bountiful by Sarina Bowen

Author: Sarina Bowen
Series: True North #4
Audience: +18
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Rennie Road Books
Release Date: October 20th 2017
Blurb (from Goodreads):
No last names. No life stories. Those were the rules.

Once upon a time a cocky, copper-haired tourist sauntered into Zara’s bar. And even though she knew better, Zara indulged in a cure for the small-town blues. It was supposed to be an uncomplicated fling—a few sizzling weeks before he went back to his life, and she moved on.

Until an accidental pregnancy changed her life.

Two years later, she’s made peace with the notion that Dave No-Last-Name will never be found. Until one summer day when he walks into her coffee shop, leveling her with the same hot smile that always renders her defenseless.

Dave Beringer has never forgotten the intense month he spent with prickly Zara. Their nights together were the first true intimacy he’d ever experienced. But the discovery of his child is the shock of a lifetime, and his ugly past puts relationships and family out of reach.

Or does it? Vermont’s countryside has a way of nurturing even tortured souls. The fields and the orchards—and hard won love—are Bountiful.


Preorder here:

Amazon 
iBooks  
Kobo 

About Sarina Bowen


  
Sarina Bowen is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. She lives in Vermont's Green Mountains with her family, six chickens and too much ski gear and hockey equipment.

In 2016, Sarina became a Rita Award winner! The Romance Writers of America honored HIM by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy with Best Contemporary Romance, Mid-Length.

Release Day Book Review & Blitz: Playing With Forever by Amy Andrews

Today is the release day blitz for PLAYING WITH FOREVER by Amy Andrews! Check it out and grab your copy today!

Author: Amy Andrews
Series: Sydney Smoke Rugby #4
Audience: +18
Genre: Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing (Brazen)
Release Date: September 25th 2017
My Rating: 4.5 Cups
Source: InkSlinger PR
Blurb (from Goodreads):
Country boy, Ryder Davis has the world at his feet. A stellar rugby career, a winning way with women and a beach view that keeps him in blue sky and bikini babes. He's living the dream. The last thing he needs is a Great Dane called Tiny destroying his feng shui.

Dog whisperer, Juliet Morgan is about to start living her dream and she's counting down the days. In two months she'll finally be moving to Italy and no man's going to stop her this time. Not even a rugby superstar with a badly behaved pooch.

But when Ryder skids into the animal shelter looking for help Juliet agrees to assist him with his canine issues. Pretty soon they're assisting each other out of their clothes and tumbling headlong into a sex thing with an expiry date.

Neither of them expected it to become more. But when for now starts to feel like forever Juliet hits the panic button. Ryder knows he has to play the long game and let her walk away. After all it's not over until the final hooter sounds and all's fair in love and rugby.

Each book in the Sydney Smoke Rugby series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order.
*Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book from InkSlinger PR in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence my rating or the content of my review in any way.

This series keeps getting better and better with each and every book that comes out and I can't help but fall in love with Sydney Smoke's players.

It was nice to read a book where the roles were flipped, where the woman wanted a no-strings attached fling, while the man is leaning towards a proper relationship, I found that very refreshing. I also loved how Andrews at one point goes to show how comfortable two people can get with each other, that it's only really a matter of perspective, really. Ryder and Juliet have very different perspectives when it comes to how they view their relationship, and it's really interesting to read about that.

I liked Ryder. He was very funny and very sexy, and I liked that he was honest about how he felt about Juliet even though she wanted none of those pesky emotions. I also loved what he did for Tiny. He's such a good man just for taking care of Tiny as if that dog was his. I also liked that he admitted he needed help in managing Tiny, which is not something that most people even think about when getting a dog.

Juliet's story was pretty heartbreaking, really. I do understand why she didn't want a real relationship, although throughout the book it was pretty obvious she was lying to herself the whole time by not giving the proper title to what she and Ryder had. That was the thing I struggled with the most, the fact that ultimately she wasn't being honest with herself and with Ryder. At the same time, I liked that she was open and honest about what she wanted from the start, she didn't lie about her intentions.

Before I finish this review, let me talk a little bit about Tiny. The book starts with Ryder being emotionally conned into taking care of Tiny, and it is incredibly funny to see how he struggled with that dog. On one hand, I laughed like a lunatic, because it is funny, especially when Ryder took Tiny for his first walk and the first morning together. On the other hand, I cringed a little bit, because it was like I was reading about my dog at times (the walking part). I felt super happy to see that Andrews did a fantastic job into working dog training into the situation, which let's be honest, is something that not a lot of people think about when getting a dog. So yay for dog training.

The book was fast paced, it was funny, and it ended almost too fast. I am in love with this series, and I can't wait for book 5, because I am definitely keeping my fingers crossed that there will be a book 5.



Series Order:
Book #1 Playing By Her Rules
Book #2 Playing It Cool
Book #3 Playing the Player
Book #4 Playing With Forever

Buy Now

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Add to Goodreads

Giveaway

 

About the Author

Amy Andrews is a multi-published, award- winning author of 50+ romance novels across both traditional and digital platforms. She writes for Harlequin Mills and Boon, Entangled, Harper Collins Australia, Momentum Publishing, Escape Publishing and Tule. She's sold in excess of a million books worldwide and has been translated into over a dozen languages. In her spare time she is a PICU nurse and mother of two teenagers. She lives on acerage on the outskirts of Brisbane, Australia but secretly wishes it was the hillsides of Tuscany.

 

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Book Review: Destiny Disgraced by Carrie Ann Ryan

Author: Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: Talon Pack #6, Redwood Pack #13
Audience: +18
Genre: Erotic Romance, Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Pink Ink Books
Release Date: September 12th 2017
My Rating: 5 cups
Source: InkSlinger PR
Blurb (from Goodreads):
The Talon Pack continues with a new twist to the Packs and a revelation no one was prepared for.

Mitchell Brentwood is aware that others think he’s the harsh taskmaster Beta trying to keep his Pack alive, but they only see what he wants them to know. He’d once thought he had his path laid out before him, but when his future was violently ripped away, he vowed he’d never let anyone close again—especially not a young wolf from a traitorous Pack.

Dawn Levin may be younger than the war that destroyed her people, but she knows she must still pay for their sins. She’s ready to find her way in this new world where wolves and humans blend as one, but first, she needs to fight her attraction to the dark wolf that stands in her way.

While the two struggle with their feelings and burning attraction for each other, they can’t ignore the world that shakes beneath their feet. There is a new enemy on the horizon, one with revenge and the unknown on their minds. An adversary that might be closer than they realize.
*Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book from InkSlinger PR in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence my rating or the content of my review in any way.

It seems that I've been on a roll lately discovering paranormal series that I need to read ASAP and that's making me super happy. I've only read Carrie Ann Ryan's contemporary books, and I am happy that I decided to try out more of her work.

As I said before, I love to see how each author describes the myth of the shifters, and while I don't know the full explanation included in the Redwood Pack/Talon Pack series, I liked what little I got to read about in Destiny Disgraced. The idea that there's an outside force, called the moon goddess, that blesses shifters with the mating and pack bonds was really interesting and new. I liked the fact that just because they received the blessing of the moon goddess didn't mean that they couldn't lose it, although some stuff revealed during the book makes me wonder about the motivation of this moon goddess. I am hoping she'll reveal herself during the next few books.

I also liked the whole mating concept. It wasn't the usual approach I've read time and again, which was really nice, and I loved the idea that Ryan introduced in her book. I'm very curious about how triads work, so I'm really keeping my fingers crossed that I'll read about that once I get to read the earlier books.

Mitchell was an interesting hero. His full story and his reasons for staying away from Dawn are revealed little by little during the story, but once you learn the full story, you can completely understand his struggle with this mating bond. It was tragic to read about, and you can tell that he has the potential of being a much stronger male, but because of his past, because of what he went through, he's truly scarred and hurt. And I found it truly amazing and it made my nerdy side really happy to see that some details from the cover of the book not only are they found in the story itself, but you also learn the why of it. Can't say more than that because of spoilers, but I had to say just that.

Dawn was also a very great heroine. I found that she was a truly strong female, one that had the potential to be something more but because of her Pack's story, she was lacking the opportunities for them. I ached for her because of that, because her true potential wasn't being fully explored due to something her ancestors did. I liked her spirit. I liked that she could be a badass and defend herself and her friends when they needed protection, and at the same time allow herself moments of vulnerability. She and Mitchell are a perfect match, really, and I was truly happy that they found themselves.

The interesting thing about this book, and I can only hope this is something that happens with all books, is that every now and then, you get a chapter told in some different character's POV. I found that intriguing, not just because it teases about the next book's main characters, but it also shows you just a tiny piece of the puzzle, just enough to get my interest piqued.

The story is truly well paced, and I managed to read it in one sitting. I found that although I knew nothing about this world, I was able to read without feeling lost. I felt the need to know more, but not in the sense that I couldn't understand what was happening or that I was confused by the lack of knowledge.

As I said in the beginning, I'm truly happy that I got to read this book and that I've found yet another great paranormal series. I plan on working my way through the Redwood and Talon series, while I'm waiting desperately for the next book in the series.



Add DESTINY DISGRACED to your Goodreads list here!

DESTINY DISGRACED is available now - pick up your copy today!

✦Amazon http://amzn.to/2oIxeFN ✦iBooks http://apple.co/2cXaajT ✦Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/2n1AC00 ✦Kobo http://bit.ly/2fyQpxx ✦Google Play http://bit.ly/2mL3EPq ✦Amazon Paperback http://amzn.to/2kr6P0O
   

See the DESTINY DISGRACED trailer!

 


About Carrie Ann Ryan

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Talon Pack, and Gallagher Brothers series, which have sold over 2.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over fifty novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not writing about bearded tattooed men or alpha wolves that need to find their mates, she’s reading as much as she can and exploring the world of baking and gourmet cooking.



Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Comic Book Tuesday #26: Wonder Woman Vol. 3: The Truth (Rebirth) by Greg Rucka

Author: Greg Rucka
Series: Wonder Woman, Volume V #3
Audience: +16
Genre: Comic Book
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: August 29th 2017
My Rating: 3 cups
Source: Netgalley
Blurb (from Goodreads):
A part of DC Universe Rebirth!

New York Times best-selling writer Greg Rucka continues his return to WONDER WOMAN! Rucka is joined by fan favorite artist Liam Sharp as Diana's life is unraveling around her. Diana’s search for the truth about herself, her history, and her home Themyscira, takes her on a journey into darkness. But the price of understanding may be one sacrifice too many for Wonder Woman.

Collects WONDER WOMAN #13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25.

Rebirth honors the richest history in comics, while continuing to look towards the future. These are the most innovative and modern stories featuring the world's greatest superheroes, told by some of the finest storytellers in the business.

Honoring the past, protecting our present and looking towards the future. This is the next chapter in the ongoing saga of the DC Universe. The legacy continues.

*Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley and DC Comics in exchange for an honest review. This does not inlfuence my rating or the content of my review in any way.

I had really high hopes for this volume, which unfortunately weren't completely met.

The book starts off with Wonder Woman having some issues, being completely unresponsive towards the outside world, and a good part of the first half of the volume shows Diana suffering from some mental issues. I enjoyed that part, but I feel like it wasn't explored as it should have, nor was it explained in a proper way. This may be because, yet again, this volume includes only select issues, so I didn't get to read about how she actually found it in her to fight her catatonic state and her delusions. I also didn't completely understand what brought the entire situation on, but that may be because I haven't read Vol. 2. So maybe it was explained there. I liked the fact that she realizes that she's not as invincible as she thought in the beginning. I also liked that eventually the laws of the Amazons are respected, in the sense that what she was warned about in the past came true. I don't want to give too many details, because I don't want to spoil it for anyone in case you haven't read it. Even so, I was pretty unimpressed with the ending. I was expecting this huge plot against Wonder Woman, at least from the way the story was told in the first volume. I do hope that the story will be picked up in the future and the implications of what Diana found out will be explored more thoroughly.

The art, as usual with the Wonder Woman Rebirth storyline, is stellar. I really have no complaints there. I hope I get to read more comic books drawn by Liam Sharp, as he is very talented and manages to capture the exact mood and tone of each panel, each dialogue, each scene, even each character.

I think I probably would have enjoyed this volume a lot more if it had all the issues, not just select ones. That way the story would have made much more sense, and I wouldn't have the feeling I'm missing something. Other than that, I hope there will be more Wonder Woman books in the future, because I am curious if some of the details from this volume will be explored more.


Release Blitz: Destiny Disgraced by Carrie Ann Ryan

 

Carrie Ann Ryan's DESTINY DISGRACED is available now! Find out more below about this next book in her Talon Pack series, read a sneak peek, and pick up your copy today!

 

 About DESTINY DISGRACED

The Talon Pack continues with a new twist to the Packs and a revelation no one was prepared for.

Mitchell Brentwood is aware that others think he’s the harsh taskmaster Beta trying to keep his Pack alive, but they only see what he wants them to know. He’d once thought he had his path laid out before him, but when his future was violently ripped away, he vowed he’d never let anyone close again—especially not a young wolf from a traitorous Pack.

Dawn Levin may be younger than the war that destroyed her people, but she knows she must still pay for their sins. She’s ready to find her way in this new world where wolves and humans blend as one, but first, she needs to fight her attraction to the dark wolf that stands in her way.

While the two struggle with their feelings and burning attraction for each other, they can’t ignore the world that shakes beneath their feet. There is a new enemy on the horizon, one with revenge and the unknown on their minds. An adversary that might be closer than they realize.

Add DESTINY DISGRACED to your Goodreads list here!

DESTINY DISGRACED is available now - pick up your copy today!

✦Amazon http://amzn.to/2oIxeFN ✦iBooks http://apple.co/2cXaajT ✦Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/2n1AC00 ✦Kobo http://bit.ly/2fyQpxx ✦Google Play http://bit.ly/2mL3EPq ✦Amazon Paperback http://amzn.to/2kr6P0O
 
 

Get a sneak peek of DESTINY DISGRACED:

Mitchell cursed under his breath as soon as she walked outside to the porch. He’d come outside to get away from her scent since it seemed to permeate the small house with the sweet and floral aroma that was all Dawn, and now here she was, invading his space. Again.
He didn’t know what it was about her, but he knew he needed to get a handle on whatever was going on. He might act like a bastard most of the time, but he wasn’t cruel. Yet right then, he just wanted to yell and scream and get away from her— and he had no fucking clue why. She was so damn close, too. So near, he could feel the heat of her skin against his. He hadn’t gone far from the door when he came outside, and now they were only a few inches apart.
“So… I didn’t know you’d be out here, or I would have stayed inside. Not that I’m avoiding you per se, it’s more that I know if you’re out here, then you’re probably like me and need some space to breathe or just be, and now here I am, standing in your way and not letting you be alone. So, yes, not avoiding, but I still try to give you a wide berth. Anyway, I can go back inside if you want, and go, uh… just go. Yeah, I’ll do that.”
She basically said all of that in one breath, and Mitchell had to admire her for that even if it sort of overwhelmed him.
“And now I’m talking too much, I can see it in your eyes. Or like, the corner of your eye since you’re not actually looking at me. Anyway, thank you for listening to me ramble. I’ll go back in and check on my brother. Oh, and thank you for helping him, by the way. I know you probably have four hundred things to do a day, but coming by the den and checking on Cole when your Alpha can’t… well, that’s truly just amazing. I hope you see that even if it might just be a duty to you.”
She opened her mouth and was either about to take a breath since she hadn’t in a while or start talking again. And since Mitchell didn’t know how to politely to tell her to shut up since her voice kept sending his wolf into an odd frenzy he couldn’t figure out, he did the one thing that came to mind.
Absolutely the most idiotic thing he could have done.
He turned and kissed her.
Hard.

 

See the DESTINY DISGRACED trailer!

 

About Carrie Ann Ryan

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Talon Pack, and Gallagher Brothers series, which have sold over 2.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over fifty novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not writing about bearded tattooed men or alpha wolves that need to find their mates, she’s reading as much as she can and exploring the world of baking and gourmet cooking.


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